“The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Mumbai-Nagpur bullet train is being prepared. As per the primary review, we will need 30% extra land for this project,” said Raosaheb Patil Danve, Minister of State for Rail, Coal and Mines.He was speaking during a press conference at Patrakar Club of Nagpur on Saturday. During the tenure of Devendra Fadnavis as Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Samruddhi Mahamarg between Nagpur and Mumbai was initiated. It was planned with a thought to reduce the time of reaching destinations. Similarly, Mumbai-Nagpur bullet train, too, was planned to reduce the time of journey. According to Danve, it would be a three-hour journey. When asked about 30% extra land needed for Mumbai-Nagpur bullet train, Danve explained, “Bullet train needs a straight route. It goes parallel to Samruddhi Mahamarg. But when it goes via Aurangabad it faces a curve due to the 12-km stretch of Samruddhi Mahamarg.

 

The train will have to use the railway station where it would take a stop. There are some other curves though not in big number. As per our calculation to cover these curves we will need 30% extra land.” Commenting on the Union Budget that was presented by Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Finance Minister, Danve pointed out, “This is an inclusive, public-oriented and futuristic Budget. Last Budget was of 18 lakh crore while this time it was of Rs 39 lakh crore. No direct taxes are being imposed since 2014 while indirect taxes have been reduced from 23% to 18%. In 2014 India was at 11th position in the world as far as financial position is considered.

 

Now India has jumped to 5th position.” When asked about the recent agitation by Congress in front of residence of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Raosaheb Danve said, “The existence of Congress is coming to an end. These types of agitations are the part of its pathetic attempts to show that it exists.” Those present during the press conference were, Rajya Sabha Member Padmashri Dr Vikas Mahatme, MLC Chandrashekhar Bawankule, MLAs Mohan Mate, Krishna Khopde, Vikas Kumbhare, Mayor Dayashankar Tiwari, ex-MLC Prof Anil Sole, ex-MLC Girish Vyas, ex-MLA Sudhakar Deshmukh.

 

 

 

n Wardha-Nanded: Rs 284 crore

n Wardha-Ballarshah Rs 1,300 crore

n Wardha-Nagpur - Rs 600 crore

n Nagpur-Nagbhid (116 km) Rs 1,400 crore

n Development of Nagpur and Ajni railway stations